External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday pushed back against criticism of India’s purchase of Russian crude oil, arguing that New Delhi’s energy decisions were driven by national interest and market realities rather than geopolitical preferences.
Speaking at the Kultaranta Talks in Finland during a discussion on ‘Emerging Powers and the New Geopolitical Competition’, Jaishankar was asked about India’s position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and allegations that New Delhi had been overly sympathetic towards Moscow because of its oil imports.
The remarks come amid continuing scrutiny from parts of the West over India’s energy ties with Russia since the outbreak of the Ukraine conflict. New Delhi has consistently maintained that its foreign policy and energy security decisions are guided by national requirements, while also advocating dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the war.
Responding to the criticism, Jaishankar said India bought oil based on cost and availability, noting that shifts in global energy markets after the conflict left New Delhi with limited options.
“I’ll make two observations. I buy oil based on cost and availability. So at that point of time, much of the oil available in the market was Russian because Europeans were essentially buying oil from the Middle East, which was our traditional supplier. So circumstances pushed us in a certain direction,” he said.
#WATCH | EAM Dr S Jaishankar says, “I buy oil based on cost and availability. So at that point of time, ah much of the oil available on the market was Russia because Europeans were essentially buying up the Middle East oil, which was our traditional supply. So circumstances… https://t.co/GqtIiLYbro pic.twitter.com/AZlslrCBHy
— ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2026
Jaishankar raises concerns over European arms exports
The minister also used the opportunity to highlight what he described as a contradiction in European criticism of India.
“No European country has been attacked with Indian weapons. I wish I could say that for Europe weapons vis-à-vis India,” Jaishankar remarked.
When asked to elaborate, he pointed to India’s long-standing concerns over weapons supplied by European countries finding their way into conflicts affecting India’s security interests.
“Europe sells weapons, which are used to attack India. Not just now but for many years. We Indians have never done anything to endanger Europe. I think that’s a reasonable point,” he said.
‘US asked India to buy Russian oil’
Recalling developments from 2022, Jaishankar said even the United States had recognised the importance of keeping global energy markets stable in the aftermath of sanctions imposed on Russia.
According to the minister, Washington had at the time encouraged India to continue purchasing Russian crude in order to prevent severe disruptions in global oil supplies and a sharp rise in inflation.
“At that time, the US directly asked India to buy Russian oil to stabilise the oil market. We buy oil based on cost and availability,” he said.
Jaishankar also questioned what he suggested was a selective approach to sanctions and global trade, arguing that complex issues of energy security should not be viewed solely through a moral or ideological lens.
The External Affairs Minister is currently on a visit to Europe, where he has been engaging with policymakers and strategic experts on shifting geopolitical realities and the role of emerging powers in a changing global order.